Perception of Adolescent Girls Living with HIV/AIDS Regarding Their Illness in the City of Lukala in Kongo Central in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the clear progress in the fight against HIV, the challenges to be overcome remain significant and vital. This is the negative opinion that the population has towards HIV-positive people. This perception of HIV leads, among patients, to a feeling of rejection, discrimination, marginalization and stigmatization. The aim of this study is to explore the perception of people living with HIV AIDS (PLHIV) in the city of Lukala DRC regarding their illness. Method: This is a cross-sectional study, by interview conducted with adolescent girls living with HIV/AIDS, during the year 2022 in the city of Lukala. Results: The results revealed that 83% of adolescent girls reached the age of maturity. Among them, 66% are married and multiparous, 83% have a low level of education and do self-employed work. All respondents have heard of AIDS and admit to being affected. Everyone is afraid of death. As for the cause of the disease, 66% of cases believe in bad luck. However, they continue to do their usual work. 50% of respondents are stigmatized or rejected by the family. They find their life dark. 66.7% of cases take no protective measures. Among married people, 80% say they lead a normal married life. Conclusion: Adolescent girls living with HIV/AIDS are a reality in the city of Lukala. However, preventive measures and therapeutic monitoring are not well applied but their lives continue normally. Ignorance and poor education favor the transmission of HIV.